Novel published in 1873, dedicated to the memory of
Charles Allston Collins who died during its composition. One of the most
didactic of Wilkie Collins's 'novels with a purpose', treating the then
fashionable theme of the 'fallen woman' who attempts to put her past behind her
but is repeatedly thwarted by the prejudices of respectable English society.
The
heroine is not only, conventionally, 'rescued' by a clergyman but,
unconventionally, finally married to him.

1889 Chatto &
Windus yellowback

PLOT
SUMMARY

Mercy Merrick has been tricked into the tragic life
of a woman of the streets, after a childhood with strolling players and gypsies.
She struggles to rehabilitate herself, inspired by a sermon given by a young
clergyman, Julian Gray, in the refuge where she was living. Working as a
volunteer nurse in the Franco-German war of 1870, she meets Grace Roseberry, a
penniless but well-connected and respectable young woman. When Grace is
apparently killed by a German shell, Mercy assumes her identity. Armed with a
letter of introduction to Grace's relation by marriage, Lady Janet Roy, she is
helped to reach England by Horace Holmcroft, a war correspondent and
acquaintance of Lady Roy. Mercy is warmly welcomed and becomes her companion and
adopted daughter. With Lady Roy's approval, she becomes engaged to Horace.

Grace is not dead, however, since her life has been
saved by a German brain surgeon. She returns to England and is introduced to
Lady Roy by Julian Gray, but lacking the evidence to back up her claim, is
rejected as an imposter. Mercy is about to confess but is antagonised by Grace's
vengeful, unforgiving nature. Grace is deemed insane and is about to be confined
in an asylum when Mercy once more comes under the influence of Julian Gray, who
falls in love with her, and she finally admits her deception. Horace breaks off
their engagement while Grace accepts £500 as a bribe for her silence and leaves
for Canada. Lady Roy, genuinely fond of Mercy, tries unsuccessfully to persuade
her to remain as companion. At first Mercy refuses to marry Julian, in
order not to ruin his career and social position. However, he becomes
seriously ill and when he recovers Mercy finally agrees to marry him. Rejected
by society, they sail to the New World to start life afresh.